“One of our greatest responsibilities, and yet privileges, is the right to make choices. Latter-day Saints firmly believe in the principle of free agency.”

“Here we observe two different personalities and two different motives of operation. Satan would have removed a person’s free agency and he proposed to redeem all mankind by force, for which he wanted the recognition, honor, and glory. The plan of Jesus would allow individuals to make a choice between what they considered to be right and what they felt would be wrong, and recommended that all honor and glory would be attributed to the Father.”

“Through the medium of prayer we can receive a solution to our problems and know what decisions to make. Ofttimes as we pray we receive a strong impression that the answer to the matter we are considering is “no.” Then again, we can have the feeling that our answer is right and should be a positive “yes.” On the other hand, we may not obtain a clear “yes” or “no” answer. In such instances the Lord has given us a formula that should be employed. One should ponder and study the problem out in his mind, make a decision, then ask the Lord if his decision is right. If it is right, he can receive a burning in his bosom and he will know and have the assurance that his decision is right; but if it is not right, there will be a stupor of thought that will cause one to forget the thing which is wrong.”

“We live today, my brethren and sisters, in a world of unrest and insecurity, where mistrust, suspicion, and disloyalty exist between nations as well as among individuals. Loyalty to oneself and to the principles he believes to be true, is a noble virtue.”

“Latter-day Saints should be taught early in youth the fundamental principles of the gospel. These teachings of the Savior, if observed, will serve as an anchor and guide throughout life, and bring happiness to the individual.”

“Selfishness, greed, and indifference are by-products of ingratitude.”

“Gratitude, brethren and sisters, results in love, unselfishness, and consideration for others. It has a refining influence, and when expressed, can be a beautiful thing.”

“We have many things for which to be grateful. Among them is the privilege of being born in this dispensation, when the gospel has been restored to earth in its fulness through heavenly messengers. And this gospel is a plan, a plan of salvation, and it can be a guide and a blueprint which, if followed, can lead us back once again into God’s presence.”

“Their parents share with them this great happiness, and support them financially and offer encouragement. These young men and young women go out into the world with little formal training. They are inexperienced, often immature, timid, lacking in confidence, and yet we find that their home training, activity in the priesthood quorums, auxiliaries, in the seminaries, is a wonderful blessing and advantage in preparing them to do missionary work. Through study, prayer, hard work, and the blessings of the Lord, these young people do grow and develop. They gain a knowledge of the gospel; confidence, power, and a maturity far beyond their years. They acquire a strong and burning testimony, and bear that testimony with such a fervency that it carries conviction to the hearts of the people they are teaching.”

“It has been pointed out that every member in the Church can and should be a missionary. We can do that, brethren and sisters, by setting proper examples, being good neighbors, keeping all the commandments. I have noticed in the various sessions of the conference groups of our young men and women who are wearing the uniform of the armed forces. Now you young brethren and sisters in the military service can be effective missionaries if you will remember that “actions speak louder than words.” We know that you are confronted with many temptations, but if you will live the commandments you can be a shining example for your associates.”

“I am grateful for my parents who have long since passed away, for the training which they gave their six sons and two daughters that whenever a call came from the Brethren, there could be but one answer, and that was to say “Yes,” accept the calling, and then serve with all of our heart, might, mind, and strength.”

“Elder Mark E. Petersen once remarked that President Clark had made the suggestion that there are two times when a short talk is in order, at least two times—once is when you are starting a job, and the other is when you are finishing. Well, I am just starting a new calling, so it gives me encouragement to make my remarks brief.”